Every fall, an influx of polar bears come to the area near Churchill, Manitoba, to wait for the sea ice to form on Hudson’s Bay. Polar bears are known as the “Lords of the Arctic,” a regal description of these mighty creatures that roam this remote area of Canada. Though Churchill isn’t quite in the Arctic geographically, its popularity with polar bears draws adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to catch a glimpse (and take a photo).
These bears are amazing to witness, and though they seem playful and even lazy on the tundra, they are still one of the world’s most fearsome predators. In fact, they are the top predator in the north and key players in the area’s unique ecological balance. The local Inuit word for polar bears is nanuk, which means “animal worthy of great respect.” A reminder to respect the bears and be cautious of them greets every visitor as they embark from the airport.
Churchill, Manitoba is in the Treaty 1 Territory, and is the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, and Inuit people, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The Inuit name for this area is Kuugjuaq. The Cree name for Churchill River is Missinipi, meaning “great waters” or “big water”.
Northern Explorers’ contributor and wildlife photographer Chris Bayley had an up close and personal visit with a few polar bears on his one-day trip to Churchill. In this Q&A, Chris shares more about his trip and what it was like to be among these incredible animals in one of the most special environments on Earth.
Q&A: A day trip to the Polar Bear Capital of the World
Q. Why do you love wildlife photography?
For me, it’s the thrill of the hunt. You never know what you are going to see or capture on camera. Getting “the shot” is always special. I also enjoy editing and processing the photos, turning a simple snapshot into a work of art to be proud of.
Q. What inspired you to do this trip?
As a wildlife photographer, photographing polar bears is definitely a bucket-list item. We are lucky in Canada to have such easy access to a population of polar bears, with guided tours to take you into their natural habitat. The trip I took was a quick one-day fly-in fly-out experience that was very convenient to squeeze into a busy life.
Q. Describe the logistics and itinerary of our trip.
My trip was a Tundra Buggy Day Tour provided by Frontiers North Adventures. The day began with a charter flight from Winnipeg to Churchill. On the flight, staff provided some information on what to expect during the trip, and a wildlife expert taught us all about polar bears.
Once landing in Churchill, we were loaded onto a transfer bus and then taken to the Tundra Buggy dock. Tundra Buggies are large-wheeled vehicles designed to traverse the mucky shores of Hudson’s Bay. Normal vehicles, even those designed for off-road adventures, cannot drive in the bear territory without getting stuck.
The Tundra Buggies hold about 40 passengers inside a nicely heated cabin and have an outdoor viewing platform. Unfortunately, the buggies are not fast vehicles. They crawl at around 15 kilometres an hour. Getting from the dock to the bear’s territory takes almost an hour. To pass the time, staff shared more stories about the region, like the history of aviation in the region, and more bear facts. They also served a cozy lunch, as it was already midday at this point of the tour.
Q. Tell us about the bears!
We were fortunate to see seven bears in the two hours we were in the bear habitat. Mostly, they were lazing around in piles of seaweed, just killing time while waiting for the water to freeze. In this region, the bears congregate in late fall to wait for Hudson’s Bay to ice over. The polar bears will spend the winter on the ice flows hunting for seals and other prey. Polar bears are not territorial this time of year, so the odds are very good for bear sightings.
The tour staff were very excited that we saw a set of triplets that were about two years old. They hadn’t been seen in a while, and there was fear that some or all siblings were lost. Our sighting proved all was well! These were the most active bears, as they were young, full of energy, and engaging in wrestling to build up their strength.
Q. What was the town of Churchill, Manitoba, like?
This trip was a whirlwind, so I didn’t see much of the town other than the airport. The airport had a sign that warned visitors not to approach polar bears. It was entertaining but also a strong reminder of where we were.
It was interesting to note that we passed a polar bear “jail” where problem bears that wander through Churchill town are held until the ice is ready. Then, the bears are released back into the wild, far from civilization.
Q. Would you do it that way again?
This tour was great to get a taste of the polar bear experience. As I said, we spent about two hours in the bears’ habitat. It’s a long day for only a couple of hours of viewing time. If I were to do it again, I’d like to check out the local Tundra Lodge, where you can stay overnight and extend the trip by several days.
I would also look into a tour that offers viewing bears at ground level from a safe distance, of course. Seeing polar bears from the high vantage point of the Tundra Buggy makes you forget how large a polar bear really is!
Q. What advice would you give someone considering travelling to Churchill to see the polar bears?
Dress warm! Northern Canada is known to be cold, but the wind blowing off of Hudson’s Bay has a particularly harsh bite to it!
About Chris Bayley
Chris Bayley is an engineer who enjoys a challenge and is passionate about landscape and wildlife photography. He seeks unique experiences, exploring the natural wonders and rugged landscapes of Western Canada and embarking on international adventures with friends and family—always making room in his pack for his camera.
5 important things to know about visiting the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba
1. When to visit
The best time of year to see polar bears in Churchill is in October and November. During this time of year, the bears gather around the shores of Hudson Bay to wait for the sea ice to form. Because they’re all there just hanging around, it makes for consistent sightings on most polar bear tours. Some tour companies offer small group tours in the summer, but if you want more bear for your buck, come in the late fall.
2. How to get to Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, or any access point to the Hudson Bay, is challenging. Due to its remote location, it’s not accessible by road. Most visitors travel via air from Winnipeg. You can also take the train on Via Rail from Winnipeg to Churchill. The train offers economy seats or sleeper cabins, and a slow-paced way to experience Manitoba’s vast northern wilderness.
3. You must go with a professional tour company
Travelling solo to visit the polar bears is extremely dangerous and virtually impossible. You can only see the bears with a tour company. Specialized tundra vehicles, AKA Polar Rovers, are required to view the bears safely. Like the one offered on the Frontier’s North Adventures tour, these vehicles are equipped to navigate the rough terrain of the tundra and mucky shores of Hudson Bay. They have elevated platforms, which provide a respectable and safe distance from the bears without diminishing photo opportunities!
4. Dress in layers – it’s cold.
Like Chris said in his Q&A, make sure you dress warmly and in layers. The wind blasts across the tundra and temperatures can plummet in Churchill’s subarctic climate. Wear a top and bottom base layer, an insulated mid-layer like a heavy fleece or down jacket, and a wind and waterproof shell. Bring a warm hat, mittens or gloves and sturdy boots to help you stay warm while observing the bears and this beautiful landscape.
5. Respect the wildlife
Observing wild animals like polar bears can be a special and unforgettable experience. However, it’s vital to remember that wild animals are just that – wild. They must be treated and observed with respect. Always follow your guide’s instructions, keep a safe distance and never try to feed or interact with the bears. You are there to observe, enjoy and maybe snap a few photos. Learn more about conservation and polar bear safety.
Bonus Tip: Keep exploring!
While polar bears are the main attraction, there are many remarkable things to experience and see in Churchill, Manitoba. Consider spending a few days or a week exploring the area’s other unique attractions.
Things to do in Churchill, Manitoba
Explore Indigenous culture
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre offers tours, natural and cultural learning opportunities, including learning about the inukshuks the Inuit used to give directions. You can also learn about Inuit history, culture and art at the Itsanitaq Museum. Discover the thrill of dog sledding and the Aurora borealis, including cultural talks, from Wapusk Adventures, an Indigenous-owned tour company in Churchill.
Try dog sledding
Dog sledding has played a critical role in the area’s history and culture; you can experience it firsthand! Several dog sled tour companies offer these adventurous experiences, and it’s a fantastic way to explore the forest and tundra. Check out Wapusk Adventures and Bluesky Expeditions to book your dog sled tour.
Experience the Northern Lights
As nature’s most spectacular night show, the Aurora Borealis will blow your mind and Churchill, Manitoba is one of the top three best places for northern lights in the world! The northern lights dance in the sky throughout the year, but January through March are the best months to see them. Check out this listing of northern lights tour companies in Churchill.
Check out other wildlife tours
There are more wild things that roam the earth, soar in the sky and swim in the ocean than just polar bears in Churchill! This unique ecosystem sees over 250 species of birds, wolves, caribou, wolverines, hares and the “Canaries of the Sea,” beluga whales. Some tour companies operate year-round, but if you want to see the belugas come in July and August. Here is a list of polar bear and wildlife tours.
National Historic Sites
There are several interesting National Historical Sites near Churchill, including the Prince of Whales National Historic Site, Sloop Cove National Historic Site, York Factory National Historic Site and Cape Merry National Historic Site. These sites are open in the summer to visitors, and only Cape Merry is accessible by road. To visit the others, check Parks Canada’s website and book a tour, boat, plane or helicopter to visit.
Please travel responsibly
Churchill, Manitoba, it’s landscape, people and wildlife are a special part of Canada. When you travel, please travel responsibly.
- Respect the local community and cultures
- Respect and care for the environment and wildlife
- Make eco-friendly choices
- Support local businesses
Responsible travel ensures these beautiful places are protected, so more people can enjoy them.
For more information about your trip to Churchill, check out the Town of Churchill’s website.
